Game of the Year 2009 - Nominees

2009 is almost concluding and we had lots of potential candidates, but just like everything only the best ones made it this far. We decided to split the final choice in sub categories. The winner of each sub category (chosen by us) will get through to the final stages and then we will announce the eventual winner. Also, please check our new forum about the event.

What a great year it was for gamers. Aside from a few disappointing games and some not so pleasant news this year (Closure of Pandemic Studios), we (and of course you) have been enjoying some great games across all platforms throughout the whole year. We believe that we have created the best list possible for each category. Below are the nominees for the very first Game of the Year awards 2009 at NoobFeed.com.

 

Assassin's Creed II (PC, PS3, 360)

Like in Assassin's Creed, the story revolves around the Animus, a machine which makes it possible for the player to view the genetic memories of protagonist Desmond Miles' ancestors, a long line of assassins. In Assassin's Creed II, the machine is used to view the memories of a young nobleman-turned-assassin named Ezio Auditore da Firenze in the late 15th and early 16th century in Italy, during the Renaissance. The game thus incorporates numerous real-life historic events, places, and people throughout Italian Renaissance history, all of which play a key part in the plot and in Ezio's journey to uncover a hidden conspiracy after the murder of his family. The storyline is intricate, there's depth beyond the main quest, the presentation is wonderful, and the action is incredible at times. We've had some stunning single-player experiences this year, and Ubisoft has given us another gem to add to the list.

 

inFamous (PS3)

inFamous breaks no new ground – at least in terms of gameplay – but it's an exceptional title in its own right and makes a convincing argument that sometimes a game doesn't have to be a revolutionary, artistic landmark in order to deliver a knockout blow. From the beautiful storyboard cut-scenes, to the outstanding voice-work, to the stunning soundtrack (courtesy of the highly talented Amon Tobin), to the compelling plot, the classic gameplay, the incredible environment; you start to become overloaded by the praiseworthy content. It is by no means flawless, but inFamous is a compelling, incredibly enjoyable video game.

 

Uncharted 2 (PS3)

Uncharted 2 sets up the story two years after the events of Drake's Fortune. Similar to the previous story, Nathan Drake's new adventure revolves around an unsolved historical mystery: the trip home of Marco Polo from China in 1292. Uncharted 2 does so many things right, that its problems (a less than perfect cover system, some frustrating combat and unfortunate glitches) are easy to overlook. The single-player adventure packs in so many incredible moments that you'll be talking about it with friends for months, the multiplayer functionality is superb and rammed with content, and the whole game looks beyond anything you'll have seen before. Uncharted 2 should earn the series a place among the very best exclusives to hit the PlayStation.

 

Batman: Arkham Asylum (PC, PS3, 360)

Batman: Arkham Asylum puts a unique spin on previous games in the Batman universe. This time the theme is more closely rooted to that of the movies, giving it a darker, edgier feel. The plot is centered on Gotham prison, known as Arkham Asylum, where The Joker has been detained. Although as is always the case; he escapes along with many of his cell mates to create a super army. It’s your job to stop them. You take the role of Batman in a third-person role, and are given many abilities to aid you on your quest, such as gliding and using your grappling gun to hook on to items located on walls and ceiling’s. You can also enter ‘detective mode’ in order discover hidden treasures that add more depth to the game. All-in-all the game is very well presented and makes for one of the best comic book-game adaptations of all time.

Street Fighter IV (PC, PS3, 360)

The grandfather of 2D fighting games is a great example of a game where everything just falls into place. The gameplay is polished to an incredible degree and paired with amazing visuals that manage to look unique, yet faithful to the cartoon style of Street Fighter II - and everything runs at rock solid 60fps even on a bit more modest computer. Plenty of additional modes and solid online play ensure that there is plenty more for the home player than just the basic arcade mode that is designed to vacuum in quarters. Add in all the unlockables, achievements and the ability to compete with the best with a persistent Championship Points score and you have a game that has just about everything you could ask for in a fighting game.

 

Tekken 6 (PS3, PSP, 360, ARCADE)

Tekken 6 is very different than previous games of the series. This is because now the characters have been enhanced, and given new abilities. Also like all other Tekken franchises, new characters have been introduced. The game is better than you may have anticipated, this is because the Tekken 6 creators have introduced a modern environment into the game. There are over 40 characters which have to be unlocked in Tekken 6 and maniuplating and customising each one with their very own equipment is an immersive experience. Tekken 6 is the ultimate game for those that like quick challenges, and also for those that have the passion for the one minute sensation for battle.

 

Ultimate Fighting Championship 2009 (PS3, 360)

One of the most apparent things about UFC 2009 Undisputed is the overall quality of the product. The graphics, animation, and sound all have this shine about them that makes it clear that the game went through several rounds of polishing before release. The rock soundtrack is appropriate, and any time that the player isn't engrossed in a fight (IE: Menu perusing, character creation, etc.) cool little sound clips from UFC matches of the past play in the background, which is a nice touch that gets the player in a great mood to play more of the game. There are also over 80 playable UFC fighters in the game, taking fan service to a ridiculous level. The visuals are great, the controls are incredibly well-done, and the game is both easy to pick up and satisfyingly deep. If you're a fan of either the UFC or just fighting games in general, this is one complete package that you won't regret picking up.

 

Fight Night Round 4 (PS3, 360)

The Fight Night series has come to the forefront of boxing games in recent years, with unrivalled graphics, superb strategic gameplay, and a multiplayer that’s both fun and lasting. This game in particular improves on its fighting engine to make for a much more realistic gameplay experience that mimics the real-life sport scarily well. Sadly, the single player isn’t entirely up to scratch and some of the challenges are way too difficult to even comprehend. However, that’s only a slight deterrent to what EA Sports has achieved here.

Braid (PC, MAC, PS3)

Jonathan Blow is the mind behind Braid. Blow designed the game as a personal critique of recent trends in game development efforts. He funded the project with his own money and spent three years creating it. David Hellman drew the artwork, which underwent several iterations until it satisfied Blow's desired vision. A preliminary version of Braid without the final artwork won the "Innovation in Game Design" award at the Independent Games Festival in 2006. Those who harbor a fiery passion for the medium of video games shouldn't skip Braid. Still, the inflated price tag in no way impacts the quality of the game; it'll simply leave you wishing that you'd gotten more - perhaps another world or two - for your money. Cost aside, Braid showcases yet another fine example of the gaming excellence which can be achieved even in the absence of AAA status and a multi-million dollar budget.

 

Cuboid (PS3)Cuboid is one of those games that may surprise you with its visual transparency and variety. It is a very attractive production, even though there isn't much in the way of environmental diversity. However, there are zero glitches or hitches, and while the simple and straightforward presentation doesn't exactly shine, it's still more than efficient. The bottom line is that Creat Studio didn't spare on the visuals merely because it's a puzzle game, and you will appreciate that attention with clarity and expertness. The game is stimulating but you'll never feel defrauded. If you are looking for a fun game that will test you and stimulate your brain, then you should give Cuboid a try. You'll have never found yourself so annoyed by the fact that something that seems so simple is so hard to acheive.

 

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box (DS)

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box - or Pandora’s Box to some – is the second game in the Professor Leyton series and follows the same adventure/puzzle mechanics as the first. You control the movements of the professor and his sidekick Luke as you navigate various locations, solving puzzles and exploring different areas in order to solve the mysteries that begin to unfold. The gameplay can get a little repetitive after a while, but the animated scenes do split the action well. The voice acting is also top-notch and becomes a nice accompaniment. Once the main portion of the game is completed you will be left with a grand total of 153 puzzles to delve into, not to mention a bunch more available for download.

Demon's Souls (PS3)

An improved online co-op and an easy mode thrown in has widened the game's audience substantially. As it is, most people will have to suffer many aggravating deaths before they get good enough to really appreciate the game's detailed, gory combat. Boss fights are a special treat, as each one starts off seemingly impossible – you against a giant steel knight or a huge armored spider – but with tenacity, becomes beatable. Tecmo gives you save points every ten meters and super powerful ninja magic to clear rooms full of enemies if you get stressed. Demon's Souls gives you an ultimatum; get good, or die.

 

Dragon Age: Origins (PC, MAC, PS3, 360)

Set in a traditional world of dark fantasy, Dragon Age: Origins finds the realms of Ferelden in peril as the threat of the Blight covers the land at the hands of the powerful Archdemon. As one of the last of the Grey Wardens, an ancient order of guardians, the challenge is to unite the shattered lands, restore peace and slay the corrupted dragon. It should also be noted that Dragon Age: Origins is a tough game unless you choose to slide the difficulty down dynamically during the game.  Due to the way in which the game scales adversaries around you, you never get to a point where you feel as though you can wade through areas without a challenge.  Don't get me wrong, this is a good thing particularly given its stance as a more PC centric RPG experience.  It's also worth remembering that Dragon Age is a game that will last, with anything between 50-80 hours of gameplay depending upon how many of the side missions you choose to take on.

 

Torchlight (PC, MAC)

Torchlight is a role-playing action game that centres on a fictional town of the same name. As with many RPG’s the game sees you navigate through a series of dungeons that hold a slew of enemies, becoming progressively harder as you go. Not only is it lacking in originality, but it also doesn’t offer that many side quests or a lengthy story to boot. The reason the game stands out for us though is because what it does it does very well. The game feels polished and tight, and is very enjoyable to play through. It’s also very well paced and the monsters you encounter are intriguing to say the least. A lack of any real multiplayer is a disappointment though.

 

Borderlands (PC, PS3, 360)

It's a bit disappointing that there isn't support for two-player split-screen on the PC. Both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions have this functionality, and with the PC version offering both the best visuals and widest range of inputs (fully customizable keyboard-mouse controls and preset gamepad layouts), it's an odd exclusion. Borderlands is not for everyone. It's certainly not Halo, and it's not exactly Diablo either. Instead, it's a stylish hybrid of the two that may not always represent the best each has to offer, but will leave many engrossed and addicted nonetheless.

 

Fifa 10 (PS3, Wii, 360, PC, PS2, PSP, DS, iPhone, N-GAGE, MOBILE)

If you’ve played EA Sports games in the past you'll know what to expect. Slick menus and presentation are par for the pitch in FIFA 10, and there’s no reason not to like it.  The authenticity is far beyond anything we have ever seen in a soccer game. Period.  The amount of leagues available really lets you know just how worldwide a sport soccer actually is. Even though it is going to be a tougher battle in terms of learning the controls and the actual game of soccer than what newbies have been treated to in the past, the outcome will be that much more rewarding. Polished presentation, exemplary gameplay and modes, and an endless amount of replay value.

 

Pro Evo 2010 (PS3, Wii, 360, PC, PS2, PSP, MOBILE)

Pro Evo has built quite a following on gameplay merit alone. If you go down to your local park you'll see two types of players. One that is decked out in all the latest football gear, shin pads, most expensive football boots and the full Man Utd kit (brand new). He can do loads of kick ups but can't play football quite as well as some others. That's FIFA. Then there's another kid who looks like he's just crawled out of bed with a scruffy t-shirt, wrecked football trainers and some jogging bottoms that look like he stole them from a homeless person. But when he plays, the boy can play and is a match winner. That's Pro. Perhaps the biggest surprise for Pro Evo 2010 though, is that it's starting to take a little more pride in it's appearance this year and competes with it's rival on many levels.

Forza Motorsport 3 (360)

If it's eye candy you seek, Forza Motorsport 3 is one of the most beautiful racers on the market, with stunning and painstakingly detailed cockpits, gorgeous exteriors and realistic damage; cars will flip over from time to time. The tracks are equally jaw-dropping, with miles of road, warm sunlight, white puffy clouds, skyscrapers, realistic reflections in glass and other visual highlights. Plus, the game moves at a brisk pace, depending on the chosen car. Just watching the scenery fly by at over 100 miles per hour, while occasionally looking behind to see the other drivers (both computer or human controlled via Xbox Live) choke on our exhaust. Forza Motorsport 3 is without question one of the best racers and a surefire contender for 2009 game of the year. Regardless of where you stand--veteran or rookie--you should give this outstanding effort a test drive.

Wii Sports Resort (Wii)

There can be no arguing that the original Wii Sports was hugely popular. Obviously it was widely sold as it came packaged with the console itself, but made for a nice free game to get Wii-users into the whole world of motion-sensing. Wii Sports Resort looked to build upon that success with the added ability of the Wii MotionPlus, and while you could buy a black Wii packaged with the game, you were also given the ability to purchase it separately. The game features 12 different sports this time, as oppose to the original 5, and while not all of them work well, the majority of them are pleasing enough to take up a fair amount of your time. They also require a nice variety of twists and swoosh’s between them to help you become accustomed to the MotionPlus era.

 

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PC, PS3, 360)

Modern Warfare 2 is certainly an exciting time for gamers, Infinity Ward has returned with a sequel to one of the biggest and fastest selling games in the Call of Duty franchise. The game boasts an exciting multiplayer with new updates and perks as well as environments. The story while not exactly the games biggest plus, still manages to keep players interested and in pace with what was started in Modern Warfare. You’ll encounter plenty of scenarios and new maps with DLC along the way to keep you playing. There are plenty of new addictive match types and rule sets. Matchmaking has been improved to allow for quicker games and faster load times. Overall, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a game that you don’t want to miss, if you’re an FPS player then you’ll certainly want to get your hands on it.

 

Killzone 2 (PS3)

At the midpoint through Killzone 2, you stand, heavy assault rifle smoking after another terrible, exhilarating firefight against Helghast coercions. Your perceptions are frazzled by the big-budget visuals, mouth dry from the resounding chaos of a savage science-fiction war. As the last red-eyed enemy falls, a solid sense of overkill immerses you. Your tiring struggle as a crack squad is laborious and endless. Bombastic and outstanding as it may be, Killzone 2 throws you head first into pitched war and doesn't let go for a few hours. Killzone 2 is not a rebellion. It was never intended to be. However, it would be folly to disregard its importance, both to the PS3 and the console FPS. It's an improvement of the genre, purified to its simplest and enhanced to a sparkling shine. The remarkable technical achievement, both visually and in AI, elevates the bar for console games and, just maybe, proposes that all Sony's claims for the 'power of the PS3' were more than just hot air and pompousness after all.

 

Resistance 2 (PS3)

Resistance 2 is definitely in the pantheon of elite games for the Playstation 3 right now and for good reason. It may not have technically been released to America and Europe in 2009, but it was certainly released to countires where some of our NoobFeed reside this year, and for that reason makes our line-up.  The story might have been not as cohesive or seemed as purposeful as the original but they took some interesting steps with it.  The multiplayer is fantastic and Insomniac should be awarded for the quality of their servers.  While the single-player is somewhat lacking, the multiplayer makes up for it and then some.  This is a must own for Playstation 3 owners. Like the original, Resistance 2 is a straight forward first person shooter. It’s even more of a roller coaster ride than the first if that's possible. I don’t think we experienced more than a minute of play without getting shot at or attacked by something or other. But as anyone that’s been to an amusement park can tell you, roller coaster rides don’t last very long. This game is sadly much shorter and that simply cannot be forgiven.

 

Wolfenstein (PC, PS3, 360)

Wolfenstein is a science fiction first-person shooter that serves as the sequel to Return to Castle Wolfenstein and makes use of the id Tech 4 engine – previously known as the Doom 3 engine – to great effect. The game is very story-driven and creates a great sense of futuristic drama and tension that builds well. The frantic fast-paced action and array of weapons on display also makes for a nice companion. The game also has a very solid multiplayer element and after the single player portion is complete should keep you occupied. The only problems with the game are some issues with the frame-rate, as well as ultimately lacking in the total package that some other shooters on the market possess.

 

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time (PS3)

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time doesn't attempt to break any new ground, it's goal is to add a few new gameplay mechanics and refine the already stellar presentation.  This game picks up soon after the events of the first PlayStation 3 adventure, Tools of Destruction. Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time is the top tier 3D platformer we expect from the developers; they've delivered another must-own game for anybody with even a passing interest in this genre.  There's a great mix of puzzle solving, platforming and weapons-based combat.  Throw in some incredible visuals and funny voice acting and you have one of the best PlayStation 3 games of the year.

 

Trine (PC, PSN)

Trine requires a lot of jumping like action platofrmers of old, yet adds puzzle elements and a whole lot more to make for an interesting experience. The game centres around three main characters - a wizard, a thief and a knight and each one can be switched as and when the situation calls for it. The knight is adept at dispatching hoardes of enemies, whilist  the thief is discreet and with the use of a grappling hook can make it across gaps the others can't reach. If one of the three happens to die, you will be with the other two characters and have to find a solution. Trine has a simple concept that is very impressive and certainly will provide a satisfying challenge.

 

New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)

Nintendo after all these years continue to surprise us, and continue to make Mario contemporary. New Super Mario Bros. Wii combines fun for the family with really tough old-school platforming action that will prove a stern test for any gamer if they so wish. The game allows for simultaneous four-player multiplayer action and a plethora of options to sink your teeth into. This really is a masterstroke in 2D classic side-scrolling action and whether you're 8 or 80 will probably appeal to you. There's simply nothing quite like teaming up with 3 of your friends and/or family and tearing up the Mushroom Kingdom.

 

‘Splosion Man (360, XBL)

This will probably come as a surprise to most, but ‘Splosion Man definitely deserves a place in any Game of the Year list as far as we’re concerned here at NoobFeed. The game features no fewer than 50 levels, all playable with up to four players and requires you to negate your way through a series of platforms, puzzles, traps and enemies by ‘sploding’. A ‘splode’ is essentially a way of jumping, but instead of simply propelling yourself up you combust and are able to destroy enemies and other objects as you do so. This unique and interesting concept makes for a pleasing and trying gameplay experience and is addictive enough to keep you coming back right until the final level.

 

Beatles: Rock Band (PS3, 360, Wii)

Probably the best band-centric Guitar Hero/Rock Band creation to date. No other rhythm game has treaded so carefully and so closely to a band’s history and honoured their legacy in such a way as Rock Band; Beatles has. Each cut-scene and photograph chronicles their short but spectacular career and you literally get to live their story along with them, as they move from the Cavern Club way back in 63’, through Abbey Road, right up to when they split. The only negative is the absence of ‘Hey Jude’ and ‘Let It Be’ from the setlist.

 

Rock Band 2 (PS2, PS3, 360, Wii)

Release in Europe and some other countries in 2009; Rock Band 2 squeezes into our list. It turned out to be a superb game that improved on its original in almost every way. There weren’t any wholesale changes so to speak, but enough subtle improvements to make it worthy of a purchase. Not to mention it packed even more songs than its predecessor. The instruments packaged with the game also saw a makeover and are now used by Rock Band and Guitar Hero fans alike due to their durability and playability.

 

Lego Rock Band (PS3, 360, Wii, DS)

Perhaps one of the most peculiar collaborations of the year, but one that actually turned out to be the most fun. Lego Rock Band combines the quirky world of Lego with a rock steady rhythm game that also adds an extra element in terms of collecting mini-figurines and other such Lego-orientated items for your ‘den’. The soundtrack whilst short also boasts some top tunes, and with the aid of downloadable content is a must for any Guitar Hero/Rock Band enthusiast.

 

Guitar Hero 5 (PS2, PS3, 360, Wii)

The Guitar Hero series is the mainstay for many in the rhythm game genre, and Guitar Hero 5 went on to cement that. The game turned out to be a very solid package that combined tight controls, an impressive song list (85 songs from 83 separate artists) and more options than before. Perhaps the best addition to the game was the ability to drop-in and drop-out of songs midway through, allowing for a more casual gameplay experience. The game also boasts a vert steady and successful online mode.